update: The FTC has extended the filing deadline to February 29, 2024, giving Fortnite players one more month to share in their settlement with Epic Games. See below for more details.
Original: Fortnite creator Epic Games Resolving multiple claims Last year, a lawsuit filed with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding in-game privacy issues was a ‘designed method’ to trick players into spending money they did not intend. Players can now register for refunds as part of that agreement.
FTC The settlement page has been opened. On Tuesday, Fortnite players will be able to apply for a refund if they are eligible and meet certain criteria. Additional details are available. Via the FTC website Regarding the agreement.
These specific refunds come from $245 million of the overall $520 million settlement package, which the agency calls “shady patterns and billing practices” that Epic Games has built into its games.
Fortnite players have until January 17, 2024 to register, and will need to link their Epic Games account during the process. The regulator said this process is a refund, not a return, so players will not lose any in-game items due to registration.
Those eligible include:
- Players who were charged V-Bucks, Fortnite’s in-game currency, for unwanted items between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Between January 2017 and November 2018, Fortnite users received credit card charges after children made unwanted purchases in the game.
- Anyone who has had their Fortnite account locked by Epic Games to dispute a charge through their credit card company for transactions between January 2017 and September 2022.
The final refund amount has not yet been determined. One reason is that the number of claims will affect how the $245 million is ultimately distributed to users. However, if you have been affected by any of the above issues, we recommend submitting a claim to see what kind of refund you may be eligible for.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 20, 2023. Updated with new information on January 11, 2024.
